Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation to Support the USS Cooperstown Commissioning
May 5, 2023
The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation is proud to announce its support for the commissioning of the USS Cooperstown at Pier 88 in New York City on Saturday, May 6, 2023. This U.S Navy ship will be the first of its kind to honor the 70 National Baseball Hall of Famer Members who served our great nation during times of war. Each Hall of Fame member served our country in military conflicts from the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. The commissioning of the USS Cooperstown will serve as a symbol of these model players’ unwavering dedication to both their country and the sport of baseball.
In recognition of the 39 Hall of Fame inductees of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation, the Foundation will be displaying a major portion of their “Walk of Heroes” banner exhibit during the 3-day commissioning celebration. Each 8-foot banner vividly showcases the military credentials of each player from World War II, including their medals, citations, and other honors received during their service.
This year’s involvement continues an 8-year relationship between the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation and the USS Cooperstown. Past activities include honoring the ship by presenting a bust of Foundation namesake, Bob Feller to the Chief’s mess of the USS Cooperstown LCS23 on Friday, October 28, 2022. Members of the Board of Directors of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award Foundation as well as long time executives of the Cleveland Guardians were on site to welcome the USS Cooperstown into Cleveland with a breakfast for the crew and Navy Chief community.
Throughout the year, the foundation pays tribute to the 39 National Baseball Hall of Fame Members who served in WWII led by Bob Feller, as he was the first professional athlete to enlist two days after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
About the Foundation
The mission of the Bob Feller Act of Valor Foundation is to recognize and honor our service members and those who support them; to provide support to military families and Veteran causes; and to educate on the lessons of citizenship, sacrifice, and service to one’s country.
Peter Fertig founded The Bob Feller Act of Valor Award with the support of the United States Navy, United States Marine Corps, Major League Baseball, the Cleveland Guardians, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and the gracious consent of Mrs. Anne Feller, the San Diego Padres, and the family of Jerry Coleman.
